Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services (VSES) in Brighton, New York (previously the greater Rochester region’s only 24/7 animal hospital) has recently ANNOUNCED the practice is closing for good according to the Democrat and Chronicle newspaper.
In May, 2021, VSES hospital was sold to Thrive Pet Healthcare (company’s controlling shareholder is private equity firm TSG Consumer Partners) which operates more than 400 veterinary hospitals nationwide (including 18 in the Rochester, NY area).
In a statement, Thrive Pet Healthcare wrote:
“Due to a lack of ER doctors, we made a very difficult decision to close Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services (VSES) hospital in Rochester. The last day of operation will be no later than November 27th, 2023.”
Thrive Pet Healthcare has filed a WARN notice (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) with New York state that Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services will close November 27, 2023. The reason for the closing is listed as “economic” according to the Democrat and Chronicle.
RELATED:
First Veterinary Practice on East Coast to Unionize, VSES Workers Voted (1.16.22)
https://www.pets.care/news/2022/01/first-veterinary-practice-on-east-coast-to-unionize/
- VSES workers hope this move will set an example for veterinary workers all across the nation.
VSES Employees for Change Statement Posted Publicly to Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/VSESEmployees/posts/pfbid021YfFEBrU1wDrsFcJEiDv2xdumcxbb86EKUpVRsUdJ34pUVSy4m1CpzJDQFNucWcLl
- The company is “flat-out lying” about having “explored multiple options” and that the closure is the result of “corporate greed.”
Rachel Barnhart, state legislator sent letter to the Federal Trade Commission to scrutinize the hospital closure (8.25.23)
https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/60/b5/208364ba49229ed5ba0cc5c7a6fa/ftc-thrive-pet-healthcare.pdf
- Private equity owned Thrive Pet Healthcare operates many clinics in Rochester, leaving pet owners with few choices over prices and services offered. The FTC has recently acted against private equity firms’ anticompetitive practices in the veterinary field. A review of the situation in the Rochester market, the third largest in New York State, appears warranted.
A Sixth Veterinary Hospital in US Votes to Unionize (1.20.22)
https://news.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=210&Id=10702173&f5=1
- Two of the labor unions — at VCA San Francisco Veterinary Specialists and BluePearl Pet Hospital in North Seattle — engaged in three years of fruitless contract negotiations, only to see their hospitals closed according to the VIN NEWS SERVICE.
OTHER RECENT CLOSURES:
Customers and Staff Blindsided After Vet Hospital in Oakland, CA Abruptly Closes (4.29.22)
https://www.pets.care/news/2022/04/veterinary-hospital-in-oakland-ca-abruptly-closes/
- Montclair Veterinary Hospital (owned by Thrive Pet Healthcare) in Oakland, California shut down last week, leaving clients scrambling to find care for their pets according to the SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE.
RECENT NEWS:
Thrive Pet Healthcare Appoints New Chief Executive Officer (5.25.23)
https://www.pets.care/news/2023/05/thrive-pet-healthcare-appoints-tad-stahel-as-ceo/
- In September of 2022, Thrive Pet Healthcare announced the appointment of Odis Pirtle as CEO.